Fissure Free

by Shari J. Ryan

Author Shari J Ryan reunites the colorful cast of friends and family in Book 2 of the Schasm Series with a powerful tribute to the power of the mind and heart in this romantic, suspenseful, and engaging novel. After nineteen years of suffering with a psychological condition, ethereal Chloe had finally come close to finding her ultimate escape—or, so she thinks on the vibrant streets of Paris. Finally in a relationship with Alex, a man she fell in love with in Schasm, Chloe thinks life is finally coming together. As she battles her own demons, she attempts to repair the damaged man she’s grown to love. But as his clouded past abruptly crashes into their lives and falls heavily upon their budding romance, Chloe must fight to maintain her relationship. Although even when the problems begin to subside, she comes to realize certain things cannot be escaped. Just as Chloe believes she might have sealed the doors of darkness once and for all, new questions, new findings and new inceptions arise. Whether or not Chloe wants to continue forward with the path her life seems to be leading, she quickly learns that any choice she makes will ultimately land her in a place she never knew she was destined to be.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Mental Health, New Adult, Drama

266 pages, Paperback

Published May 15, 2014

About the author

Shari J. Ryan is a USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over 40 novels, with more than 700,000 copies sold and translations in 13 languages. She writes emotionally evocative WWII fiction inspired by true stories that have resonated with readers around the globe. Her work has earned Top 100, Top 10, and #1 chart rankings, as well as two Rone Awards.

As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Shari brings a deeply personal connection to her work. Her stories are rooted in truth and remembrance, written to ensure history is never forgotten.

For Shari, writing is more than a passion; it is her way of expressing herself and connecting with others. She strives to share every emotion she experiences with each reader who picks up one of her books.

Shari holds a bachelor's degree from Johnson & Wales University and began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer until 2012, when she discovered her true calling in novels.

Some of Shari’s bestselling books include The Nurse Behind the Gates, The Stolen Twins, The Bookseller of Dachau, The Doctor’s Daughter, and The Last Words Series—gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

A lifelong Boston girl, Shari now lives in a small town in the suburbs with her adored husband and two incredible sons, who make her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.

Reviews

[Hazel *Craves the Angst Reviews* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.

Visit Craves The Angst blog on May 15th for a special "Thoughts About This Book" section, which will be added to the review.

Fissure Free is book two in the Schasm series and is a Young Adult, Romance written by Shari J. Ryan. I was gifted this book from Booktrope Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

5 Drifting, Fissure Free Stars!
Bewitching and Imaginative. An Artistic, Schizophrenic Adventure that Will Enchant and Astound! I Couldn’t Put It Down!

The Review:
Shari J. Ryan, with her colorful storytelling and her beautiful writing style, has continued the enchanting journey of Chloe and Alex as they trip through The Drift in their physical, dream like world that will certainly draw you in and hold you captive from the first page, to the last. To say I was excited when I learned the second book was coming out, was an understatement. I loved this read in all it’s genuine intangibility. What’s real to one person may be false to another. But in this story, it’s all a matter of perception.

Story...
When we meet Chloe and Alex in book two, they’ve been living the last several months in The Drift, floating around and experiencing a life Chloe only pined for while locked away and alienated in her parents house. Paris is their home base in The Drift and every day is a new exploration. But as wonderful as life is, and against Alex’s advice, Chloe feels they need to go back to the real world and settle the mistakes and problems left behind. She knows there’s an undeniable possibility her life, as well as Alex’s, is in true danger.

When Chloe gets back to the real world, she quickly realizes her worst fears pale in comparison to the physical nightmare she finds is now her reality. She and Alex are captives to an unhinged mad man who has plans for both Chloe and Alex, so he’s keeping them alive... for now.

But after fleeing to The Drift once more, Chloe knows their time is running out and with Alex truly trapped inside his own mind, she has to find a way to face life outside The Drift if they want to continue with the beautiful life they’ve created in their dreams... and she has to figure out what her enemy wants before it’s too late for all of them.

This adventure is one wild, crazy, uphill mountain of twists and turns. Like in book one, just when you think you have things figured out, something comes along and changes everything. It’s exciting and insane and just so much fun!

Characters...
Everyone seems to have their role to play. We are introduced to new situations, new characters and new dangers as it seems not even in your dreams everything is perfect. Horrors can be relived, lies can be told and trust is a fluid thing.

Chloe and Alex find they are being chased throughout dream and reality by a maniacal, self proclaimed mad hatter. Chloe has to decide which world she wants to tether herself to and even as we find out more about Alex and why he is the way he is, it seems he’s keeping secrets and telling lies.

There is a thin veil between dream and reality as their worlds are ever moving. A lot of questions from the first book get answered, but new and exciting questions are posed.

Shari J. Ryan has a very clever and unique way of telling a story that makes you question everything and throws you in a head-trippy world filled with intrigue, thrilling adventure and sweet romance. Her characters stand out and each have their own voice.

I really saw a difference in Alex in this book. He was more caring and also a bit more reserved. Something was definitely up with him. Chloe has come out of her shell a bit more and she has a better handle on her “ability”. These two together are sweet but it’s not all flowers and poems with them. They face one crisis after another and they both have to find a way to deal with it all.

The Wrap Up:
This book and the one before it, are definitely different. It’s mind-trippy, it’s unique and it’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. With so many books reading the same way every day, saturating the market, why not give something new a try. This book will definitely satisfy those who want something rare and fanciful, yet still has a great romance and amazing story. And with the cliffy Fissure Free leaves off on, I can’t wait for book three!

Quotes I Loved From The Book...

Quote Spotlight...
It’s a dream inside of a dream.

Quote Spotlight...
I lean forward on the base of the sink and stare at my own reflection, wondering what’s happening inside of my mind - how this can feel so real. There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t question the validity of the reality I live in.

Cold and warm. Love and hate. I’m not given an option to choose, but I want this. I want Alex. I want Paris. I want to be loved. I don’t want what I left behind. I don’t want that to be the base of everything that is real. Because anything that is real is bad. Evil.

Quote Spotlight...
He tries to pretend this is all okay - hiding and masking the truth of our existence. I know this is his only reality, besides the whitewashed mind that inhibits the part of his physical being. But this isn’t my only reality. My mind is still connected to my body, and I’m far more aware of my actual existence than he is.

Quote Spotlight...
Most women spend a lifetime searching for the man of their dreams, but I seem to have found mine within my dreams.

Quote Spotlight...
I’m so lost, even here within my own thoughts. I still don’t know what’s real and what’s not. Is anything real at all? Alex has promised me that he’s real. But is it my mind that’s making him say that?

Quote Spotlight...
I never thought I’d want to purposely keep myself loved in an abandoned institution, but if that means I can remain in this alternate state with Alex, than what he’s saying actually makes sense. “I get it, Alex. Here, you’re fissure free.” I offer a smile. I understand that if will be the only way we can both live together. It has to be here in the dream of reality, without complication.

Quote Spotlight...
I stand up on my toes and pull his face down to mine. I press my lips into his and then pull back slightly. “I love you more than anything in both of our worlds. You and I ... we’re an endless dream.”

Quote Spotlight...
He pulls away slightly, searching both of my eyes. “Thank you for freeing me,” he says, smiling with his eyes. “With you, I will always be fissure free. You saved me.”

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shari J. Ryan does it again! She once again left me wanting MORE!! I love the relationship that Chloe and Alex have and she left me with the hopes that someday they may "actually" be together in real life. I wonder if she will give them that fairy tale ending in book 3 or if they will remain a drifting couple? Although they are only part of their minds, she makes it seem so real that you forget that they are drifting. We learned more about the characters, especially Alex and what happened to him to cause him to to remain in the unconscious state of mind. After reading this book I found myself thinking of these characters often, I even questioned if I was "drifting" (Don't worry I wasn't, LOL). I've found it hard to get into another book as this was so good and different than most books I've read. It has the romance and young adult twist, but has another piece that you just don't get from other authors. A+++

[Jen Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Fissure Free by Shari J. Ryan and it was so amazing. It answered all the questions Schasm caused for me and then raised the bar to a whole new level. The writing was beautiful and lyrical. The thriller-ish energy continued and I was literally on the edge of my seat the whole read. The author took a creative and crazy idea and made it into something catchy and compelling. It was so interesting how Chloe and Alex’s lives were “controlled” by something they couldn’t prevent or really control and I found the way they handled it moving, inspiring, and unforgettable. Talk about unconditional love. It is fun to read something and literally watch the author mature as a writer before your eyes. I am still thinking about some of the twists and turns.

[Vanessa Booked Up · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just didn't work for me. I was looking forward to seeing where the story would go, after Schasm, and anxious to get answers to my many questions. For every question that was answered though, about 3 more developed. Basically, not enough happened for me in this book.

It got off to a pretty good start. Chloe and Alex are living in Paris happily in their drift and we get to spend time with them together as a couple. Meanwhile, in the "real world" Uncle Franco is still up to his usual tricks and manipulating their well-being. Unfortunately, the book kind of stays this way for the duration, which made me get bored fast. Chloe and Alex drift, and the vast majority of the book is spent in their drift, and not in the "real world" where several factors are threatening their safety. They pretty much just choose to stick their head in the sand instead of dealing with what's facing them in their "real world."

Additionally, I just wanted to kill these characters at several points in the book. First, I didn't like Alex in this book. He kept secret after secret from Chloe, and sometimes, it was really for no reason. Keeping the fact that they have a son from her? Hello, no...completely unforgivable. As far as Chloe, I had to keep reminding myself that she is nineteen, young and innocent, but come on!!! She had the perfect opportunity to contact the police in the "real world," when she realized that she was very pregnant and was going to see a doctor but didn't...why?.

Then, I'm sorry, I know that this is fantasy and all, and I can go there in my mind to an extent but the whole role that the pregnancy played in this book just confused the hell out of me. How do you get pregnant in a dream, or in reality with a person who is pretty much comatose 24/7? Maybe this part will be answered in the final book but it confused the hell out of me.

Just too many questions and not enough answers for me in this one, as well as not enough real substance to the book for it to stand on its own.

I liked Schasm much better than Fissure Free.

I was attracted to this book because the story line is completely different than anything that I have ever read, and any of the other books out there right now. The writing itself is very good and I believe that the author has great potential. Like I said in my review for the first book, how someone could think up the concept for this book is just beyond me and I do applaud its creativity. This one just overall fell flat for me.


The Rebel Book Chicks were given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Gillian (Tattooed Book Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review and more at www.tattooedbookreview.com.

"Most women spend a lifetime searching for the man of their dreams, but I seem to have found mine within my dreams."

Fissure Free is one of those books that reminds us that love does conquer all, that it's the biggest force in the universe. Love can transcend time, place, and any and all opposing outside forces. Even a love that shouldn't be real, couldn't be real, is real if we want it to be.

The love that exists between Alex and Chloe is a seemingly impossible and hard-won love. This book continues their story from Schasm, and the more I get to know these strong characters, the more I'm drawn in to their improbable world. Their romance is epic and transcendent, but with a certain purity and sweetness. There's heat and tension as well, but it's well balanced with the rest of their relationship. They care deeply for each other, mind and body. They are each vulnerable but incredibly resilient; they have to be with the challenges they must face.

In this second book in the series, we're drawn deeper in to Chloe and Adam's dream world, a place they can truly be together as a couple. The plot is constantly surprising with twists, turns, action, and suspense. New characters color the exciting story and I was constantly questioning motives and outcomes, eagerly turning pages to find out what happens next, and how Alex and Chloe will deal with yet another hurdle. As with the first book, I sometimes found the plot disorienting, though not in a negative way; I imagine it's often how the characters feel as well.

Question are answered but plenty more arise in Fissure Free. As far as a series, I really like how the author has set this one up. Though this second book is clearly a continuation of the first, it has its own beginning, middle, and end. I do think it's necessary to read the first book in the series to fully understand this book. But, each book has its own exciting and fully realized plot line and conclusion, with endings that keep the reader wanting more of this epic, intriguing, and wholly original romance series.

" 'Real is only what you make of it. If you want us to be real, then we're as real as it gets.' "

*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[allie burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan continues her beautifully idiosyncratic series with Fissure Free. The primary element that I noticed about Schasm was how unique it was; how, by its setting and chronological events, how it stood out in a colorless crowd wearing a bright red shirt and throwing a peace sign or something. In both the YA and NA genres, I have never come across a fantastically beautiful romance with equally developed world-building such as this, and its presence alone makes me happy as a reader and as an author. We need diverse books.

In Schasm, Chloe's lack of ability to make one informed decision kept me from loving her. I didn't classify this as a fault in character development, though. Quite the opposite, actually. Chloe had been sheltered all her life in a way that can be closely compared with a prison, and the reality that she couldn't make a proper decision due to the fact that she was missing an entire lifetime of experience and growth contrarily contributed to her development as a character, not took away from it. That being said, due to this developed personality trait, I do have to say that I had my reservations about Chloe in Schasm. Like, she's definitely not someone I'd be friends with. I wanted to shake her. Having had that experience with the first book, I was SO glad to see Chloe growing up a bit! She still has a long way to go, but her life with Alex has taught her a lot, and she has learned much from life and what it means to actually be older than a two-year-old. I enjoyed her character defiantly more in Fissure Free than I did in Schasm, so that just further contributed to my enjoyment of this series.

Ryan is known for her eloquent writing style that she brought to the table in Schasm, and it only gets better in the sequel. She paints a picture of the drift, of the gorgeous world you want to live in in comparison to the dark, murky one you don't. It is just stunning. It is too often that a series that boasts world-building transitions to emotions from one to the next, losing the element you loved most about it. Such is not the case with this sequel, and I can't wait for When Fully Fused!

**A complimentary copy was provided to Geeks Unleashed from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed for Geeks Unleashed

[Sheilah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, you need to curl up with a book full of romance and mystery. Add a dream world atmosphere and you got yourself the perfect fix to a rainy Saturday. And when you finish a book that contains all of these elements in one day and you can’t put the book down, you know that it was a pretty special read. That’s how I spent my day. Living in the dream world of Chloe and Alex.

Book two of the Schasm Series is probably the heart of the romance of the series. It is where Chloe and Alex’s love really begins to blossom. And when you need that youthful, steamy, passion fix, this is a perfect remedy. I spent the majority of my day, ooing and awing, and then freaking out because while they are falling in love there is all this danger around them threatening to tear it apart. The romance build-up had me on the edge of my seat. Right when you think the climax is going to happen, the story surprises you and made me feel like I needed a cold shower. But the build-up is the best part and I love that it gets dragged out and it is not rushed.

I really can’t say enough about this series. I think it’s original and bewitching. Two young people with a special gift of mind drifting, in which they can escape reality and create another alternative place or time, travel together and fall inlove. All the while dealing with scheming and mentally psychotic family members who will do all kinds of harm to them and who have done all kinds in the past. Book two continues winding you down the rabbit hole further. There is a great romantic build up that at the same time equally and effectively shares the stage with the family conspiracy that threatens both their lives.

If you like to read stories about other peoples families being (so much) more messed up than your own and you like steamy romantic scenes then this book will please and tickle your insides. I loved it and I am not just saying that because my sister was the editor. I really believe in this series and think more people should know about it. For those who enjoy paranormal romance types of stories, this will be up your alley.

[Kristina Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars full review on www.herjuicyreads.com

Shari Ryan does an amazing job of once again creating a world that makes me feel like I'm losing it. Seriously. I couldn't keep drift from reality separate at times. This was both fantastic, and terrible at the same time.

We meet our characters in Paris where they have been living in a drift for the past year or so. I think it's been a year, but the timing is so confusing that what feels like a year, could have been a month. I have to say that the roles each character played in schasm is vastly different than who they are in fissure free. I found myself really disliking Chloe, as well as Alex at times. Their arguments were never resolved. When one question was answered, another twelve would pop up. It was very hard to follow this story line, which is greatly disappointing. I adored Schasm. It was a highly recommended read for me, but I felt like the integrity of these characters were lost a bit in this second installment.

A LOT happens in this story, and we are drawn even deeper into what has made our MC's begin drifting to begin with. More characters are introduced, and secrets are revealed. You feel the struggle Chloe, and Alex take on in trying to live as normal of a life as possible together. It's sad at times how the odds pull them apart, but like a true soulmates driven read they constantly fight their way back.

I liked the mix of new characters even though I got lost many a time in the connection they have to our MCs. I wish it was clearer, and less all over the place. However, to fit the overall theme of this series, it may as well be on purpose.

If you enjoyed Schasm as much as I did, then reading Fissure Free is a necessity. It will open your eyes, and mind to a different, more fantastical view on mental illness. Maybe we all are just living a pretty boring life in comparison to the Chloe, and Alex's of the world.

[Erin Koiso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fissure Free is the second book in The Schasm Series by Shari J. Ryan. It is six months after Schasm and Chloe and Alex are living in a perpetual drift in Paris, France. As perfect as their life is in the drift, Chloe knows they must go back to the reality of the real world and deal with unfinished business before it quite possibly may be too late. Once they decide it is time to return to the institution and see what has befallen themselves - their worst nightmares are realized. Franco is back and he seems to have plans for Chloe and Alex. But what are they and how will they affect the reality Chloe longs for. Is it all worth it - is reality worth losing all that they have?
I completely enjoyed the second book in this series. It was a psychological thrill ride. You have to pay close attention or you will get lost in a drift. I connected more with Alex in this book and found him more emotional and caring. Although that being said - the fact that he kept things from Chloe did not sit well with me. At times I truly could not believe the secrets he kept from her, although truly understanding the reasons. The sub-characters weave into the story like a fine thread. Intertwining into the world that is Chloe and Alex's.
Chloe's longing for a true real reality is palpable. It makes you want to figure out a way to help her. But does Chloe have the power to protect herself and bring the man she loves back to the real world. This book will confuse you and corrupt you. It will pull you in and you will begin to doubt what is a drift and what is reality. It truly is an epic tale into mental illness and the worlds that it can force a mind to retreat to. A world of mental illness that engulfs the characters and swallows them It makes you truly wonder where does one world end and the other begin. And the ending is a

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fissure Free, the second book in the Schasm series picks up shortly after Schasm. This book has an entirely different feel than the first, there is still a bit of mystery and thriller aspect, but most of it is centered around Chloe and Alex setting up as normal of a life as possible in their drift states. In reality, they are chained up below a mental institution by Chloe's multiple-personality bearing and drift capable uncle, Franco. Franco is keeping them alive and in their drift state in return for information on the location of an object.

Since most of this story takes place in Chloe and Alex's interpretation of Paris, it almost seems like a normal romance with a little bit of a psychopathic killer plot on the side. Some of the psychological thriller was lost in this book for me. Of course, there's a lot more going on than that, but most of this book was Chloe and Alex solidifying their relationship. Their romance still had an element of cheesiness to it which was very present in the first book, but now that they are living together more about each of their personalities comes out. A lot more is revealed of Chloe's Uncle, along with a lot more questions, and another family member is added to the mix. While everything seemed a little more simplified in this installment, there are still questions to be answered from the first installment and the ending is a different kind of cliffhanger, so I will have to see where the third book goes.

This book was provided for free in return for an honest review.

[Tanya Vought · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing 2nd book in this series! Shari will take you on another amazing psychological journey with these 2 amazing characters!!

As in the 1st book, both Chloe and Alex have the ability to go where they please with teleporting... Chloe wants to go back and fix things, but Alex doesn't want that. Chloe wants it to be all over, but maybe its just the beginning.

Alex wants Chloe to be happy! That's it-- that simple! He withholds a lot of info to protect her, but will she believe him? No matter what occurs he does it all for her!

Chloe.. I loved her! I enjoyed her in book 1 but in book 2 I really loved her!!! Loved her attitude, devotion and even her jealousy. She's one amazing character.

Alex-- oh my! I love him so much more here in book 2! He was loving, sweet, emotional and amazed me by what he did! He def had me upset in a few spots and all the secrets... I would have acted like Chloe in a few spots too! Overall, I love him and the love he has only for Chloe!

I enjoyed meeting new characters and their support along the way!

You will be gripped to each page to find out what will happen next.

I loved the end!! I thought it was brilliant and shocking!!! Especially with the insight to the next book!

If you loved book 1, then you def have to read book 2!! It will floor you and amaze you!

Shari knows how to take you on an amazing psychological ride which is intense, sexy and gripping!

I can't wait for book 3!

5 stars from me!!!!

[Anny hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided a copy of this book by the Author for an honest review.

WOW I love the first book, but I have to say I love this one even more, I did not wanted to finish reading this book at all. I love the writing and imagination that this Author have, and I cant wait to read more of her books, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.

The journey with Alex and Chloe continue, they’ve been living the last several months in The Drift, floating around and experiencing a life, Chloe only pined for a while locked away and alienated in her parents house, Paris is their home where they Drift, and every day is a new exploration, but as happy and wonderful it could be, Chloe knows that she needs to go home, to tried and fix the mistakes and problems she left behind. She knows there’s an undeniable possibility her life, as well as Alex’s, is in true danger. But when she gets back to the real world her nightmare become a reality, and she know that they are in danger, would they make it and have their happy end it.

I really love and enjoy reading this book, their is so much that I wish I could write but I cant. you gone have to find out by reading it your self, and trust me you are gone love it, I said it once I am saying it again Author Shari J. Ryan THANK YOU for this awesome characters and this amazing book love it.

[Courtney Whisenant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fissure Free is book 2 in the Schasm series by Shari J. Ryan. After reading Schasm, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book! It’s no secret how much I loved Schasm and I had very high expectations for Fissure Free. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I thought Fissure Free fell a little short. The majority of this book takes place in the dreamlike state referred to as The Drift. The fantasy elements in Schasm swept me up and took me along for the ride but in Fissure Free I felt more like I was reading a really fabulous fairy tale. Don’t get me wrong, the writing was beautiful—almost poetic. The power of love between Alex and Chloe couldn’t have been more expressive if Celine Dion was singing it herself. The realistic aspects of mental illness and the tricky nature of the mind that was so brilliantly shown in Schasm, however, were almost missing entirely in Fissure Free. I actually found the fantasy elements to be more believable in Fissure Free than the reality. Although the story didn’t go as I had hoped and there were some obvious plot holes, it was still a very enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to the next book and hoping to see more of the realistic aspects that I found so wonderfully perplexing in Schasm.

Originally posted at the Author Alliance.

[My Secret Book Spot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fissure Free by Shari J Ryan
4 1/2 of 5 stars
Fissure Free starts six months after Schasm left off. Now Chloe and Alex are living in a drift in Paris, where Chloe is a student and Alex is working full time. They've made friends, one being Keira, who is not only Alex's ex-girlfriend but also Chloe's cousin. Keira's father, Chloe's Uncle James/Tomas/Franco/Simon is a key player in this book both in the drift and in reality where he (Franco) is still holding the duo captive in the institutions basement. Will they stay in their drift? Will they find a way to be together in reality? What secrets is Alex keeping from Chloe?
I liked the fact the story was Chloe and Alex's. It was about them and what happened to them. I was perfectly happy not to see Chloe's parents in this book.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. There didn't seem to be as much confusion to me as the first book. I was happy with the way the book ended. I understand there will be a third, I'm not sure if I will read it or not. Not because I didn't like this series, I'm just okay ending it here and don't feel like I NEED anything else to get closure.
*A complimentary copy was given in exchange for an honest review*
Susan, My Secret Book Spot

[Deborah Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Which is more real, reality or dreams?
"Fissure Free" is the second book in the Schasm series by Shar J. Ryan and is not a stand alone book. Be sure you read "Schasm" the first book in the series.
In "Fissure Free" we rejoin Chloe and Alex as they are trying to live out their lives in Paris, having drifted there in an attempt to be together, but nothing is ever what it seems. While life in Paris allows them freedom, the truth is that they are not in control of their reality. As life begins to unravel it is up to Chloe to figure out how to keep their unconscious bodies safe while still living the dream of being together.
Shari J. Ryan creates a world full of love and conflict where two people who want nothing more than to be together have to face the fact that nothing about their lives is normal. Every time Chloe and Alex get an answer more questions are revealed. I love they that Ryan's writing flows and how she develops all of her characters major and minor. I can't wit for the next installment in Alex and Chloe's story.
Be sure to add "Schasm" and "Fissure Free" to your summer reading list today!

This review originally appeared at www.dowiesplace.blogspot.com

[Lori Mcgeown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent reading Fissure Free. I am a sucker for a good romance and this absolutely did it for me. I felt like I was living this adventure with Chloe and Alex, and I loved the realness of their relationship. Every twist and turn of this book pulled me in even more. I enjoyed all of the back stories that came out with the characters, including Cecilia's real relationship to Alex, and what causes each of them to act the way they do. The end of this book...WOW is all I can say!

Shari did an excellent job really portraying the characters feelings, she was able to pull me in and make me feel like I was a part of their relationship. I felt sad when they were sad, happy when they were happy, scared, excited and of course the love.

This was an excellent and well written book. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book to see where ride takes me.

[Teagan Ashe · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided for honest review to White Zin Bookends blog

Fissure Free is the first book I have read by author Shari Ryan, and even though it is book two in a series, I was not disappointed. Its a little like starting a tv show right in the middle of the episode. You have to kind of piece together what's going on, but you still enjoy the second half of the show. That is exactly what I did with Fissure Free.

I really loved the characters in this story. The love between Alex and Chloe was so real and palpable. I also really liked the writing style. Fissure Free was well written and I loved the fantasy aspect of it as well. I am a sucker for paranormal and fantasy anyway, and this was different than any other that I have read.... and that's a good thing.

Now that I have read Fissure Free, I am going to definitely go back and read Schasm and will be eagerly awaiting more from Shari Ryan. I am giving Fissure Free by Shari Ryan four glasses of delish White Zin.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Schasm series, by emerging author Shari Ryan, continues with Fissure Free (book 2) as 19 year old, Chloe Valcourt, believes she is finally free to live her perfect dream-life in Paris. With Alex Levette, the beautiful young man she fell in-love with in Book 1, she hopes to build a life together and help him fight his demons to make him whole once more. As she is enlightened to her own uncontrollable demons, she finds this new consciousness more than complicated and as secrets and passed relationships are revealed, the couple struggle to trust.

Shari Ryan has created a vivid, honest and inspiring tale of unconditional love. I inhaled this book much like the first. The Schasm series is a reflective, smart musing and book 2 promises much for the rest of the series. Good pacing, strong characters and solid writing. And the ending, WOW! Did not see that coming! Well done.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ecopy of this book for an honest review.

Fissure Free is the second book in the Schasm series. I was excited to read this book because not only did I like Schasm but I thought it was original.

This book starts a few months after the first book ended. I was happy to see Chloe and Alex together in Fissure Free but the first half of the book was pretty slow. I am glad I stuck with it, though, because the second half was more eventful and more like I was expecting.

Chloe and Alex are the type of characters that are easy to become attached to so, of course, I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

If you like a book that’s a little different, I recommend Fissure Free. It does stand on its own but you would get a lot more out of it if you read Schasm first.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second installment in the Schasm series did not disappoint me. I find the premise of this series very original, and I am officially hooked. I am caught up in the world of Chloe and Alex! Without adding spoilers, Chloe and Alex, childhood friends, live with psychological disorders so they escape together to an alternate reality that is at times blissful and at other times horrifying. The author has done a fabulous job of developing the characters in this book that you care about and leaving you wondering what is real, what is not..., why and what if.....? So far this series is a thoroughly enjoyable read that I would love to see made into movies. Also, a great book club book as there are many topics for discussion.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Shari does in this book amazes me beyond belief!! She picks up where she left off from the first book, and this one is just as good. She brings their story around full circle and makes you want to jump inside. I know that sounds crazy because who would want to jump into a crazy person and risk being woken up in the place they are fighting to get out of?!?!? Well while reading this book that is what you want to do. They go to so many wonderful places and see so many wonderful things all while worrying what could be happeneing to them back home. I want to tell you so much more but if I keep talking right now I will give it all awy!!

[Jennifer Akins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Schasm series left me with much anticipation as to how Chloe and Alex would fare on their journey through both worlds, both of which feel incredibly real. Schasm sets the stage for Fissure Free, the second book in the series. I was so captivated by the love, bravery, and determination of Chloe that I could not put it down. Shari J. Ryan has written a truly unique and intriguing story that pulls you in and allows you to connect with each character, each turn of the page illuminating the unexpected. Although I cannot wait to read the last book of the trilogy, theirs is a story that I do not want to end.

[Teri Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an exciting book for me. Was a fast read and I passed it on to a friend to read so we could compare notes for a review. So stay tuned. Awesome book

[Nikki]

Can't wait!!!! :)

[Chrissy Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind altering to the point I couldn't put it down!!!

[Kayla West · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first book in this series, I was very ecstatic to begin this second installment. And apart from having to refresh my memory of the ending of the last book, it was like I had never stopped reading.

Overall, this book was just as topsy-turvy as the first. With the main focus being that our two main characters are now in the care of Franco, who is keeping them alive just so he can find something he believes Chloe knows all about. Now, in the beginning of this book, we have no clue the two lovebirds are with Franco, since they are happy in their own drift world. But deep down they know they cannot put off the inevitable. They must go back, or at least Chloe, and confront what ails them both in the real world.

Things are going to be a bit more difficult than both realize, because when Chloe travels back to reality, she finds that Franco is forcing them into their drift. I don't know if he finds them easier to deal with that way or if he believes he can find the information he needs while they are in that state, but by the way he reacts when Chloe awakens several times throughout the story, it is as if doesn't want them to come back at all. He is definitely a force to be reckoned with.

Now back to the drift. As the story progresses, it seems that Chloe and Alex's relationship becomes more and more strained with all everything that's happening. This including new relatives being revealed, parts of Alex's past and the reason he cannot respond or does not respond in the real world being revealed, and a strange little boy showing up out of the blue. This book is just as twisted, if not more so, than the last, and that is definitely what makes it worth the read.

Curiouser and curiouser...

While throughout about half of this book I was starting to dislike Chloe because of her reactions and attitude toward certain things that happened, there came a point where she finally became again the character that I loved and related so much to in the first book. Alex started out almost the same way with this one as well, but thankfully that changed. I am absolutely stoked to read the third and final book in this series, because I have to know if these two will finally be able to live a normal life, or at least as normal a life as two drifters can have. I also have to know if Alex will finally be able to respond to real life. And Franco is quickly becoming an awesome thorn in my side. He is starting to grow on me. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE END!

[Jessica Surgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Fissure Free is the sequel to Schasm and is about a girl named Chloe who has the strange ability to "Drift" within her own subconscious. This condition allows her to live an entirely separate life in her mind. Her boyfriend, Alex, shares this rare gift and as Fissure Free begins, the two of them are living a seemingly idyllic life together in their shared "Drift".
But all is not well in paradise.
The end of Schasm left Chloe and Alex in pretty dire straights, and although they are happy together in the Drift, they must address what is happening to their bodies in the real world.
A myriad of challenges were faced in this second installment- from serial killer relatives to crazy ex-girlfriends- but I am still confused about a lot of things. I love Chloe, but I was a little baffled by her decisions in this book. For the first part of the book they spend a lot of time just living life normally in the Drift and I felt like she should've been spending more time trying to figure out how to rescue their bodies. They were in a serious life or death situation and I felt like they were able to just ignore that a little too much for my liking. Even Alex, who had a little bit of an excuse, should've been more concerned with Chloe's safety at least. Once they took action it got much better though, and by the end I was dying for book 3! (There is an awesome cliffhanger!) I did have a couple more gripes that brought my rating down to a 3 though. For one, I'm not a huge fan of Alex. I don't like that he keeps things from Chloe and I don't think he's been all that helpful so far in solving their issues. I am also still very confused about how their drifting works. I am still hoping that it gets cleared up in the last book, but I had hoped by this point it'd be a little clearer. I'm not sure whether the Drift is really happening or if it's all in her head. Despite my hang-ups I am excited to read the last book though- I need to know what happens! :)

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kindly given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

So, to be honest, I was really torn between a 3 and a 4 star review! Overall, I enjoyed the read, not overly, so I wouldn't say I "really liked it", but I did like it. But there were times I really got into the story. So I bumped it to a 4 because I'm such a nice person, lol. But seriously though, the only major thing I had a problem with was just a lack of understanding on my part. I kept thinking things like, 'if he doesn't feel like going to work, why does he??' (while living in the dream world) or 'how can there be a physical manifestation (bruise, scratch) in the real world of something that happened in the dream world?'. Like why were they getting so involved with people and situations in the dream world when it wasn't even real? I was confused a lot. And maybe it's just me, because I was never good at keeping up with complex scenarios.

Like, The Matrix? Went right over my head. Yes, I just admitted it. Phew, I can breathe now.

And sure, there were typos, and a few French errors, but that kind of stuff doesn't normally bother me too much, unless there's a ton of it, which there wasn't in this one.

Another reason (a more realistic one - not saying I'm NOT nice, but you know..) for giving this book a 4 star is that I want people to read it! There are some really great reviews for Fissure Free and I wouldn't want my limited-mental-capacity-3-star-review to prevent anyone from reading a book they might really like!

And I have to say, I liked the twist in the end. (There's always gotta be a twist, right??)

A very unique concept here, check it out! (I recommend reading the first book "Schasm")

[Heather Faville · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars.

Fissure Free is book two in The Schasm series by Shari J Ryan. It continues six months after the end of Schasm with Chloe and Alex living in a drift. Life seems to be nearly picture perfect for the pair, but somethings just seem off. My mind kept thinking, "Because while this may feel and seem so real to you guys, IT'S NOT!" I have really enjoyed the story thus far, but I do have a problem with the fact that these two seem to be alright with permanently living their lives in some fantasy world. I know there are certain circumstances that cause living in the real world a challenge, but still....

Ms Ryan does stick with the wonderful descriptive elements that I greatly enjoyed while reading her last book. Her characters remain strong, if not still a bit annoying even with the understanding of where they are coming from. We travel back and forth from the drift world in Paris to the real world where Chloe and Alex aren't really doing as well as one would hope, especially with certain things that happen and then eventually the duo pack up from Paris and head to start a new "life" elsewhere in their minds.Along for the ride is Alex's exgirlfriend, Keira, who also happens to be Chloe's cousin. Yes Chloe's Uncle James/Tomas/Franco/Simon is Keira's father. How's that for adding to an already messed up situation.

So yes, while maybe a bit slower at points than I would have liked, I continue to enjoy this series and greatly look forward to finding out how things end for the couple and all involved, because the ending....holy whoa! I did not see that one happening!

[Gabs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read more of my reviews at My Full Bookshelf Reviews

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Fissure Free was not as good as Schasm. I loved Schasm, mostly due to its non-conformity to the genre it was in. But in Fissure Free, I began to see some YA tropes.

The romance was what got to me. I didn't like how Alex and Chloe's relationship was going in this book. It just seemed so bland for most of the book. In Schasm, it was sweet and exciting and forbidden, but in this one, I don't know. It just didn't have what it had in Schasm.

Secondly, the more thrilling aspects of the story that were in Schasm weren't here. Something that really made me love Schasm was how Chloe's relationship with her mom was portrayed. But that doesn't really come into play here in Fissure Free. The whole Franco plotline just did not intrigue me as much as Schasm's plot.

Third, their son. I wasn't sure if it would be important for the next book or something, but I thought it wasn't all that necessary to the story and only added confusion.

I liked Kiera a lot. She had a likeable personality, and was basically my favorite part of the book, if I'm being honest.

I think that I will stop this series here, because I didn't like Fissure Free that much. It saddens me, because Schasm was a great book. I am not saying that this book will be a disappointment to everyone--I think that a lot of people will like it--but I didn't think that many of the things I loved in Schasm were in here, so it was a bit of a letdown for me personally.